JOY AVENUE stumbled badly at the start. TARGET FINDER began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, N Callan, becoming unbalanced. JOY AVENUE lost its left front plate near the 900 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, TARGET FINDER was directed to the inside of TANG TREASURE to continue improving. The performance of JOY AVENUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JOY AVENUE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JOY AVENUE immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained an overreach wound to the inside of the left front heel. WINNING METHOD and U W BROTHER were sent for sampling.

LAUGH OUT LOUD was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, LAUGH OUT LOUD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VICTORIOUS LEADER was very slow to begin. After beginning awkwardly, LEVANTE shifted out towards the heels of LUCKY SHINY DAY soon after the start and was steadied. From a wide barrier, VIRTUS STAR was steadied soon after the start and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1300 Metres, INDIGENOUS STAR was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 950 Metres, VICTORIOUS LEADER improved to be racing close to the heels of GOOD RUNNERS WAY and was steadied as a consequence. For a short distance approaching the 300 Metres, GOOD RUNNERS WAY was held up behind the tiring MUTUAL JOY. Trainer T P Yung advised that due to there being no obvious leader in the race and also due to the horse’s wide barrier, he instructed M L Yeung to allow GOBI STORM to roll forward and lead if possible. When questioned, K C Leung stated that, unlike last start when DOCTORS DELIGHT was able to race in a prominent position with cover due to its good draw, today he was obliged to ride the horse along in the early stages to settle in a prominent position as instructed but was unable to obtain cover. He said DOCTORS DELIGHT travelled reasonably well throughout the early and middle stages, however, when INDIGENOUS STAR improved to its outside mid-race, the horse tended to race keenly and then after being taken wider by MUTUAL JOY which shifted out on the Home Turn, DOCTORS DELIGHT failed to respond to his riding thereafter and weakened noticeably. The performance of DOCTORS DELIGHT, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DOCTORS DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DOCTORS DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, H N Wong reported that the horse made an abnormal respiratory noise during the event. A veterinary inspection of LEVANTE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”. The performance of LEVANTE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LEVANTE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. N Callan was questioned regarding his riding of FRIENDS OF NANJING, 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages. After taking into account all of the evidence, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that Jockey Callan’s action of having stopped riding his mount just prior to the finishing line had materially affected FRIENDS OF NANJING’s finishing position. Nonetheless N Callan was severely reprimanded and advised that this was the second occasion in recent race meetings that he had been spoken to for failing to ride his mounts out as required under the Rules of Racing. He was further advised of the significant penalty which would be attached to an offence of this nature should he be found guilty of failing to ride his mounts out to the end of the race. INDIGENOUS STAR and GOOD RUNNERS WAY were sent for sampling. <17/6/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, Jockey H N Wong reported that LEVANTE was making an abnormal respiratory noise during the event. A veterinary inspection of LEVANTE immediately following the race found the horse to be a "roarer”. LEVANTE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer L Ho this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, LEVANTE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

EPTIWINS was withdrawn on 15.6.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BANDY (G van Niekerk). Before being allowed to race again, EPTIWINS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TRUST ME and EXCEL DELIGHT, both of which began awkwardly, made contact on jumping. After being a little slow to begin, HAPPY GOOD GUYS was checked and lost ground soon after the start when tightened for room between STAR SUPERIOR and ROMAN ODYSSEY, both of which shifted ground. SUPER KIN shifted out at the start and bumped CHACHAUP which in turn shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of MARVELOUS WORLD. MASTER ROMAN began very awkwardly. After travelling a short distance, COBY WIN got its head up and raced ungenerously for a number of strides. After passing the 600 Metres, TRUST ME lost ground when reluctant to hold its position between ROMAN ODYSSEY and EXCEL DELIGHT which was laying out. HAPPY GOOD GUYS, which was following, was checked and shifted in to avoid the heels of TRUST ME and inconvenienced CHACHAUP Passing the 200 Metres, HOLEE MONEY was taken out behind the heels of AQUILA by KA YING MASTER (M L Yeung) which shifted ground. M L Yeung was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount when it shifts ground. At the 100 Metres, EXCEL DELIGHT was checked when disappointed for running between HOLEE MONEY which shifted in after becoming awkward near the heels of AQUILA which came under pressure and MARVELOUS WORLD (Apprentice K H Chan) which shifted out marginally. MARVELOUS WORLD continued to shift out and over the concluding stages was checked away from the heels of KA YING MASTER. Due to being awkwardly placed on the heels of KA YING MASTER over the concluding stages, MARVELOUS WORLD was not able to be ridden out to the finishing line as it otherwise would be. Apprentice Chan was spoken to regarding his riding of the horse over the concluding stages and advised that he should have desisted from using the whip in his right hand when his mount was shifting out towards the heels of KA YING MASTER and straightened MARVELOUS WORLD in a more timely manner. After the race, K Teetan reported that AQUILA showed abundant early speed as anticipated and led clearly. He said however that when pressured by the ultimate winner KA YING MASTER prior to the 200 Metres, AQUILA did not respond as anticipated and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of AQUILA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. AQUILA, KA YING MASTER and SUPER KIN were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, Apprentice K H Chan expressed concern regarding the action of WITNESS HUNTER. WITNESS HUNTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. SUNSHINE WARRIOR, which was restless in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently lost a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, SUNSHINE WARRIOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. NATURAL FLARE shifted out at the start and made contact with ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. WITNESS HUNTER began very awkwardly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed and settled back in the field. After the 1500 Metres, WITNESS HUNTER was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY POWER which shifted out. Approaching the 1300 Metres, SUNNY POWER was steadied when racing in restricted room inside SMART ROCKET which improved to be racing tight inside the heels of LITTLE GENERAL. At the 1100 Metres, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching the 1000 Metres, SUNSHINE WARRIOR raced tight and came into contact with SPIRIT PATCH which shifted out from behind SMART ROCKET. Then near the 950 Metres, SUNSHINE WARRIOR was left racing very wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, SUNSHINE WARRIOR (K Teetan) was brushed by LITTLE GENERAL and taken wider when that horse improved to the outside of the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. Following the race, K Teetan stated that after having to be ridden along to make up lost ground after a tardy getaway, SUNSHINE WARRIOR was forced to work hard throughout the middle stages, particularly after being taken out by SPIRIT PATCH near the 950 Metres. He said that SUNSHINE WARRIOR was a beaten horse soon after straightening and was not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SUNSHINE WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. In the early part of the Straight, SUNNY POWER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUCH A HAPPINESS which shifted around the heels of NATURAL FLARE to improve. Near the 300 Metres, WITNESS HUNTER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING which was giving ground. A veterinary inspection of WITNESS HUNTER and LITTLE GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE GENERAL, SUCH A HAPPINESS and SIMPLE ELEGANT were sent for sampling.

After being loaded, MY WINNER kicked out on a number of occasions and briefly caught its right hind leg over the back gate. MY WINNER was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race. AEROFLASH was slow to begin. On jumping, MY POWER was crowded for room between FRESH POWER and MAGIC SUCCESS which shifted out. From wide barriers, GREAT VICTORY and GLITTERING ARMOUR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. As FRESH POWER (G van Niekerk) was being steadied to obtain a trailing position behind MY POWER approaching the 1050 Metres, GLITTERING ARMOUR made ground quickly to be racing inside the heels of FRESH POWER and was consequently taken in onto AEROFLASH which was checked when taken in onto the heels of DR LUCKY STAR. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, primarily the fact that GLITTERING ARMOUR had shifted in from outside FRESH POWER to be close to the heels of that horse as it was shifting in to obtain cover, nonetheless he should be more alert to the circumstances of the race as they unfold. When being steadied to allow ROYAL CHOCOLATE to cross at the 900 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS got its head up. MY POWER was left racing wide and without cover at the 900 Metres. After having some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres, FRESH POWER was then steadied approaching the 100 Metres when tightened for room between ROYAL CHOCOLATE which shifted out slightly and MY WINNER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MY POWER. Approaching the finishing line, MY WINNER and MY POWER came into contact. A veterinary inspection of MAGIC SUCCESS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC SUCCESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MAGIC SUCCESS BEAUTY APPLAUSE and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS were sent for sampling.

EXALTATION was slow to begin. WILLIE WAY began awkwardly and lost ground. Soon after the start, WON WON TOO was checked when tightened for room between RULE THEE which was taken out by COOL TEAM and SUPER WISE which was taken in by LOOKING GOOD (G van Niekerk) which shifted in when being ridden along. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he must ensure that he keeps his mount as straight as possible so as to avoid causing interference to other runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, LOOKING GOOD was taken into a three wide position by YOUNG LEGEND which shifted to the outside of the heels of TRIUMPHANT HORSE which was being steadied to allow SUPER WISE to cross. LOOKING GOOD was then able to shift in and obtain cover behind YOUNG LEGEND approaching the 900 Metres. Approaching the 900 Metres, TOP SCORE lay in and brushed the running rail. GOOD BEAUTY was held up for clear running from the 300 Metres until approaching the 150 Metres at which stage it was directed to the inside of the heels of YOUNG LEGEND to improve. When GOOD BEAUTY shifted to the inside of YOUNG LEGEND approaching the 150 Metres, TRIUMPHANT HORSE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of that horse. Approaching the 200 Metres, JOLLY GENE was shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHANT HORSE to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of SUPER WISE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER WISE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of EXALTATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOLLOW ME, GOOD BEAUTY and LOOKING GOOD were sent for sampling. <17/6/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>SUPER WISE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea. SUPER WISE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, SUPER WISE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

VICTORY IN HAND began very awkwardly and made contact with IRISH VEGA. INTREPIC began only fairly and then along with GREAT TREASURE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, RELENTLESS ME was steadied away from the heels of FLYING TIGER HERO which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of VICTORY IN HAND. At the 1100 Metres, KING’S RACE was hampered when momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLYING TIGER HERO. On the first turn near the 900 Metres, ONE STEP AHEAD got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of KING’S RACE. BEAUTY LOYAL, which was following and travelling keenly, was checked in consequence. GIFT OF LIFELINE was left racing wide and without cover at the 850 Metres. Approaching the 600 Metres, BEAUTY LOYAL commenced to prove difficult to settle and was severely checked away from the heels of ONE STEP AHEAD. RELENTLESS ME had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Over the final 200 Metres, VICTORY IN HAND hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. Over the concluding stages, IRISH VEGA was awkwardly placed inside the heels of INTREPIC and as a consequence was not able to be ridden out all the way to the finishing line. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if BEAUTY LOYAL had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey Z Purton and Starter, Mr A Speechley. After taking evidence from both parties and after viewing the official videos, it was established that after being one of the last horses loaded into the barriers, BEAUTY LOYAL was assisted by a starting gate handler at its head and also by another attendant who assisted by giving the horse a tail and stood satisfactorily. It was further established that as the start was effected, BEAUTY LOYAL became fractious and consequently was slow to begin. As the Stewards formed the opinion that BEAUTY LOYAL had not had an unfair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner. Nonetheless the Stewards will establish the reasons for BEAUTY LOYAL being assisted by a starting gate handler at the horse’s tail when this was not as had been requested by Trainer A S Cruz. When questioned, Z Purton stated that after missing the start, BEAUTY LOYAL was able to make up some ground and settled just behind midfield in the early stages. He said when the tempo slowed on the first turn near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY LOYAL was checked away from the heels of ONE STEP AHEAD and then approaching the 600 Metres reacted adversely to the slowing of the tempo and was again severely checked away from the heels of ONE STEP AHEAD. He said after shifting BEAUTY LOYAL out in the early part of the Straight, he noted there was an opportunity to improve to the inside of THE CREATETH, however, after improving inside that horse by the 300 Metres, there was no run which then presented itself in advance of BEAUTY LOYAL. He said as he was well-established inside THE CREATETH, it was too late a stage to restrain his mount and shift to the outside of that horse. He added as BEAUTY LOYAL was not stretching out comfortably and as BEAUTY LOYAL was well out of contention, he eased it down over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY LOYAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of THE CREATETH and RELENTLESS ME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY LOYAL, GREAT TREASURE and CHIU CHOW KID were sent for sampling. <23/6/2019 16 June 2019 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 7 (746)>After reviewing the videos of last Sunday’s Sha Tin racemeeting, as is standard practice, the Stewards felt it was appropriate to question Jockey G van Niekerk (IRISH VEGA) today as to whether he had the opportunity to shift his mount to the outside of INTREPIC near the 100 Metres and provide IRISH VEGA with clear and uninterrupted running over the concluding stages. On the day in question, the Stewards reported that IRISH VEGA was awkwardly placed inside the heels of INTREPIC over the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be tested. G van Niekerk stated that after shifting IRISH VEGA to the outside of GIFT OF LIFELINE at the entrance to the Straight and commencing to place his mount under pressure, INTREPIC improved quickly to the outside of IRISH VEGA and commenced to gain a margin over his mount approaching and passing the 200 Metres. He said after the 200 Metres INTREPIC commenced to shift in gradually under pressure which obliged him to put the whip away and near the 100 Metres he commenced to shift IRISH VEGA out to come to the outside of INTREPIC which he anticipated would continue to shift in under pressure. He added however at this stage he felt that his mount was too close to the heels of INTREPIC to safely manoeuvre to the outside of that horse and moreover he noticed that INTREPIC had straightened up and which presented a clear run between that horse and GIFT OF LIFELINE which shifted in. He said after recommitting to the inside of INTREPIC, GIFT OF LIFELINE shifted out which resulted in IRISH VEGA being disappointed for a run and then being held up over the concluding stages. G van Niekerk was advised that his comments would be reported, however, he was reminded of his obligation to provide his mounts with clear running at the earliest opportunity.

After being loaded, HAPPY FAMILY reared and got its right front leg over the front gate and then over the side partition. HAPPY FAMILY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, HAPPY FAMILY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Having regard to HAPPY FAMILY’s history of barrier issues, the Stewards ruled that the horse must be required to perform satisfactorily in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. TRIUMPHANT ARCH shifted in abruptly at the start and made heavy contact with LAKESHORE EAGLE which in turn made contact with HIGHLAND FORTUNE. This resulted in LAKESHORE EAGLE and HIGHLAND FORTUNE becoming unbalanced and losing ground at the start. From wide barriers, AEROHAPPINESS and BEAR AGAIN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BEAR AGAIN made the first turn awkwardly and shifted out away from the heels of SOLOMON’S BAY. Approaching the 900 Metres, SPACE was steadied away from the heels of LOCKHEED (Z Purton) which shifted in when not quite clear. Z Purton was reminded of his obligation to provide sufficient clearance when shifting ground. After this incident, SPACE was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS commenced to travel keenly and was very awkwardly placed near the heels of HIGHLAND FORTUNE. Passing the 400 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS lay in momentarily and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT ARCH. Approaching the 300 Metres, when attempting a tight run between HELLO BEAUTY and SPACE, HIGHLAND FORTUNE was steadied due to both horses shifting ground. In this incident, HIGHLAND FORTUNE made contact with the hindquarters of SPACE which became unbalanced. At the 250 Metres, LAKESHORE EAGLE was shifted to the inside of ALCARI to obtain clear running. Approaching the 50 Metres, LAKESHORE EAGLE then momentarily raced tight inside DREAM COME TRUE (A Domeyer) which shifted in marginally under pressure. A Domeyer was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Over the final 100 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS lay out under pressure. A veterinary inspection of LOCKHEED immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LOCKHEED will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C Y Ho stated that it was intended for HIGHLAND FORTUNE to race in a handy position, however, the horse settled back in the field due to being crowded at the start. He said after being checked when disappointed for a run in the Straight, HIGHLAND FORTUNE did not seem to recover and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He said, in his view, the interference sustained by HIGHLAND FORTUNE, being an inexperienced three year old, was the primary reason for the horse’s disappointing effort in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HIGHLAND FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIGHLAND FORTUNE, LAKESHORE EAGLE and AEROHAPPINESS were sent for sampling. <17/6/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that ALCARI was lame in its left hind leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, ALCARI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

CHAMPION PRIDE was withdrawn on 15.6.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAGIC LEGEND (Apprentice K H Chan). Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPION PRIDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NEW ASIA SUNRISE began awkwardly. REEL BIZZY shifted out at the start and made contact with GINTOKI which became unbalanced. From wide barriers, FALCON TURBO and CALIFORNIA TURBO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 900 Metres, GINTOKI was left racing wide and without cover. At the 800 Metres, WAR ROOM was checked away from the heels of GLENEALY GENERALS which was awkwardly placed behind RED DESERT. After being held up for a short distance leaving the 300 Metres, CALIFORNIA TURBO was directed to the outside of GINTOKI near the 250 Metre to continue improving. Passing the 100 Metres, SUPREME PATROL was shifted in away from the heels of NEW ASIA SUNRISE. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that when the pace steadied near the 800 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS, due to its inexperience, did not react well to the change of tempo, got its head up and then shifted out when being checked away from the heels of RED DESERT at the 800 Metres. He said GLENEALY GENERALS then appeared to lose confidence and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He added that immediately after the race GLENEALY GENERALS felt comfortable in its action and there did not appear to be anything amiss with the horse. The performance of GLENEALY GENERALS, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY GENERALS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY GENERALS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the inside of the right hind heel. INVINCIBLE MISSILE, REEL BIZZY and SUNNY BOY were sent for sampling. <17/6/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>GLENEALY GENERALS, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse had sustained a minor laceration to the inside of the right hind heel. GLENEALY GENERALS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, GLENEALY GENERALS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

NEW ELEGANCE began awkwardly and lost ground. MARZOUQ began only fairly. After being bumped by SUPER ELEGANCE at the start, CHAMPION SUPREME then shifted out and made contact with PIKACHU which was hampered. From wide barriers, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and SPLENDOUR AND GOLD were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 1500 Metres, JIMMU was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 1400 Metres, CHAMPION SUPREME was checked away from the heels of SPLENDOUR AND GOLD which got its head up and raced ungenerously when being steadied. NEW ELEGANCE which was following CHAMPION SUPREME, was hampered in consequence. After passing the 1000 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up and raced ungenerously. After improving to be racing inside the heels of SPLENDOUR AND GOLD at the 950 Metres, CHAMPION SUPREME then raced tight and was bumped by PIKACHU which shifted out slightly on the turn near the 900 Metres. NEW ELEGANCE, which was following CHAMPION SUPREME, was again checked in consequence. At the 750 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up when momentarily awkwardly placed behind SUPER ELEGANCE. Approaching the 500 Metres, SPLENDOUR AND GOLD momentarily raced tight between NEW ELEGANCE and SUPER ELEGANCE which was taken out by EVER LAUGH which shifted out from behind GIANT TURTLE to improve. At the 350 Metres, SUPER ELEGANCE shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of EVER LAUGH, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. The Stewards inquired into an incident near the 200 Metres where MARZOUQ was checked. It was established that approaching the 200 Metres AMAZING LUCK (M L Yeung) shifted to the outside of GIANT TURTLE into tight running between that horse and MARZOUQ and a short distance later MARZOUQ was checked due to EVER LAUGH (K C Leung) shifting in marginally away from SUPER ELEGANCE. M L Yeung and K C Leung were advised that whilst it was evident that the interference to MARZOUQ had been caused by marginal shifts from their respective mounts, nonetheless in similar circumstances they would be expected to exercise more care and endeavour to avoid causing interference. After being directed out by VIGOR FAME (M F Poon) near the 150 Metres, GIANT TURTLE shifted out further and made contact with AMAZING LUCK which was racing tight to its outside. At the same time, AMAZING LUCK received contact on the hindquarters from EVER LAUGH which, when racing to its outside, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUPER ELEGANCE. As a result of contact from both GIANT TURTLE and EVER LAUGH, AMAZING LUCK became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in EVER LAUGH being checked when taken out across the heels of SUPER ELEGANCE. Whilst there were a number of circumstances associated with this incident and no rider was deemed to have exhibited a degree of carelessness which warranted a charge under the Rules, M F Poon was reminded of his responsibility to straighten his mounts in a timely fashion when they shift ground. M L Yeung was also told that in similar circumstances when racing tight, he should not be intent on using the whip but rather should make more of an effort to keep his mounts straight. When EVER LAUGH was checked, GENERAL SHERMAN became awkward on the heels of that horse and was obliged to shift out accordingly. EVER LAUGH continued to shift out and hampered CHAMPION SUPREME approaching the finishing line. When questioned, Z Purton stated that CHAMPION SUPREME did not muster speed in the early stages and settled further back in the field than had been intended. He said after being awkwardly placed on the heels of SPLENDOUR AND GOLD along the Back Straight, CHAMPION SUPREME then settled well and travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages. He said however that after following SUPER ELEGANCE into the Straight and being brought to the outside of that horse to produce a finishing run, CHAMPION SUPREME did not let down as he anticipated, was one-paced and, in his opinion, disappointing. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MARZOUQ, SPLENDOUR AND GOLD and GENERAL SHERMAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHAMPION SUPREME, VIGOR FAME and SUPER ELEGANCE were sent for sampling.

GRAND CHANCELLOR and COT CAMPBELL began awkwardly. HARMONY VICTORY shifted out at the start and made contact with ENRICHMENT. After this, HARMONY VICTORY and ENRICHMENT were steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. At the 1100 Metres, GOLD CHEST was steadied away from the heels of THINKIN’ BIG which was steadied to allow RIVET to cross. Approaching the 900 Metres, PARTY TOGETHER commenced to over-race and shifted out away from the heels of COT CAMPBELL and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of PARTY TOGETHER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PARTY TOGETHER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards questioned Apprentice K H Chan regarding his riding of RIVET in the early stages. Apprentice Chan stated that he had explicit instructions from the connections to lead on the horse as they considered RIVET’s best performance last season under the care of another trainer was when it was ridden in the lead by K Teetan. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode RIVET aggressively in the early stages including using the whip on several occasions as a number of runners, namely GOLD CHEST, LOBO’S LEGEND and THINKIN’ BIG were also ridden positively to his inside. He said after obtaining a length margin on THINKIN’ BIG at the 1200 Metres, he was obliged to press on into the lead to cross that horse, at which time he attempted to steady the pace. He said he was very mindful of the fact that the initial stages of the race had been run at a very fast tempo, however, he was endeavouring to carry out his instructions as best as he could. He added after CIRCUIT GLORY improved to the outside of RIVET approaching the 900 Metres, his mount would not initially settle and this resulted in the pace continuing to be strong until near the 800 Metres. Trainer C Fownes confirmed Apprentice Chan’s evidence and stated that the connections had felt that there was an opportunity to ride RIVET in a prominent position as it had been ridden when it finished second over the same course and distance last season. Apprentice Chan was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted his evidence and that he was riding to instructions, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he is mindful of the pace he is setting in races. When questioned regarding his riding of COT CAMPBELL passing and leaving the 1200 Metres, M F Poon stated that as he had not properly applied his goggles before the start, he directed COT CAMPBELL out away from behind NOT USUAL TALENT to avoid the kickback and so that he could safely put his goggles in place. He said he then shifted back in behind NOT USUAL TALENT to resume racing with cover behind that horse. M F Poon was told to be more professional in his preparation for a race. When questioned, J Moreira stated that in accordance with the horse’s normal racing pattern, he rode HEZTHEWONFORUS positively in the early stages to take up a forward position and after the 1100 Metres crossed LOBO’S LEGEND and then steadied his mount to allow CIRCUIT GLORY to cross his mount. He said due to the extremely fast pace in the early and middle stages, HEZTHEWONFORUS, which was second up from an extended break from racing and stepping up to 1600 Metres today, was one-paced and unable to close off the race over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HEZTHEWONFORUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of THINKIN’ BIG and GOLD CHEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HEZTHEWONFORUS, NOT USUAL TALENT and GRAND CHANCELLOR were sent for sampling.